Our Weakness
Brandon Neloms of Pooler, GA, USA
You are called to create pathways in the world for peace in Christ to be relationally ad culturally incarnate. The Hope of Zion is realized when the vision of Christ is embodied in communities of generosity, justice, and peacefulness. Above all else, strive to be faithful to Christ’s vision of the peaceable Kingdom of God on earth. Courageously challenge cultural, political, and religious trends that are contrary to the reconciling and restoring purposes of God. Pursue peace. -Doctrine and Covenants 163:3a-b
Earlier this year, I was preparing questions to ask applicants for a new position we needed to fill for my office in Savannah, Georgia. They were all standard questions, plus some that were specific to the job for which they were applying. This day, the question on strengths and weaknesses really stuck out to me. I really couldn’t shake how no one truly gave us a weakness. All applicants would give strengths and try to convince us it was a weakness, even after I tried to assure them it wouldn’t prevent them from getting the job. It was the same kinds of answers over and over that day. I began to get frustrated because, if they weren’t willing to tell the truth, how could I genuinely know the areas they needed to improve? In the end the one or two people who were willing to be honest about their weaknesses allowed for a deeper and more open interview, which in turn resulted in one of them getting the position.
This day made me think of myself and how most of us are moving along in life not willing to recognize the areas we need to improve. Whether it’s in our relationships, on our job, or even within ourselves, we should be willing to admit to ourselves that we have deficiencies that only God can fix.
Some say the first step in fixing a problem is admitting there is a problem. It says in 2 Corinthians 12:9, “…My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.” This shows us that admitting weakness is the first step toward God’s power.
I can tell you that, when I finally told God I can’t do it on my own, I realized how much God wanted to help me. My pride blocked God’s blessings. Through admitting my weakness in certain areas of my life, God’s power has made me strong. I assure you, only God can take your greatest weakness and make it your greatest strength. I promise there is no weakness in that fact.
Prayer Phrase
Are we moving toward Jesus, the peaceful One?
Spiritual Practice
Breathing God’s Compassion
Light a candle and sit quietly, reflecting on the fire and light of God. Pay attention to your breathing and let it become calmer and deeper as you focus on God’s presence. Ask God to breathe in you. Image each breath carrying the light of God into your lungs, bloodstream, and every cell in your body until God’s Spirit fills you. Now imagine breathing out God’s compassion and grace each time you exhale. Pray to have the Spirit of Christ radiate from your life like the gentle flame of a candle.
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
